Heat vs. Sixers Prediction and Odds for Game 3 (Trust Miami Even if Joel Embiid Plays)

The Miami Heat have a 2-0 lead on the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals, and they’ve done it in quite convincing fashion with Joel Embiid out of the lineup. 

Miami has really limited James Harden in this series, and you can argue that the Heat haven’t even played their best basketball yet, as they let the Sixers hang around within 5-15 points for most of the fourth quarter in Game 2. 

Does Philly have enough juice to bounce back in Game 3?

Here are the odds for this game via WynnBET: 

Heat vs. Sixers Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Heat -1 (-108)
• Sixers +1 (-108)

Moneyline:

• Heat: -120
• Sixers: +100

Total:

• 210.5 (Over -108/Under -108)

Heat vs. Sixers Prediction and Pick

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, there is optimism that Embiid will be able to return for one of these games in Philly. 

While the line in this game certainly makes it seem like he will play in Game 3, you may be better off waiting for his official status to see if you can get Miami as an underdog. 

That being said, I think the Heat will win this game regardless. 

Yes, Embiid is a great player, but he’s going to be at less than 100 percent against a top-five defense that has already shut down Harden in this series.

Both of these teams love to play at a slow pace, but Miami has way more options offensively to bet the Sixers, and Embiid may not be as effective protecting the rim if he does return. 

I’m riding with the Heat until they give us a reason not to trust them. 

Lean: Heat -1 (-108)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.